Layla Grayce

With their ruffles, bows, sugar and spice, our new clothing and shoe offerings are sure to make your holiday list. From white ruffled linen dresses, to simply darling crocheted two pieced sets – these lovelies would bring out the sweet side in anyone. And what girl couldn’t use a darling pair of shoes…or two? Chic mary-janes at the most appealing prices will have you scooping these up left and right. And just when all you Moms of little boys out there thought only the girls get to have all the fun – say hello to these boy-friendly booties! Soft felt and ribbon are perfect for those precious new feet. It’s good to be a kid.

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Each celebration, big or small, requires food that is just as special as the individual or the occasion which you are celebrating. Susan Campoy, founder and chef of Julienne, a beloved local neighborhood bistro, recently published Celebrating with Julienne, which she shares her most popular and cherished recipes along with tips, stories and advice. Located in our neighboring city of San Marino, this charming bistro serves breakfast and lunch on the shaded outdoor patio or in the inviting French Café inspired interior. The traditional menu is refined but casual and everything is always finished to perfection. Inside the restaurant you will also find a gourmet market with specialty jams, candies, oils, and baked goods.

Julienne’s is perfect for a special gathering or a ladies lunch out. I always think of Julienne when my grandmother or girlfriends come to visit. There is definitely something for everyone. Stroll by if you are in the area or make a special trip to experience the warmth of the atmosphere and fabulous food.

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If you are finding this question hard to answer, you are not alone. As the saying goes – “Petunia Pickle Bottom: The original, collectible, fashionable, diaper bag.” With strong designs this fall, oh how easy it will be to pick up a new bag (or two) to add to your collection. Perhaps it’s the scrumptious Chocolate Decadence Cake Clutch with its melt-in-your-mouth velvet detailing. Or if a bolder modern look is more your flavor, indulge in Dancing in Dublin Boxy Backpack. Its chic Euro styling paired with Petunia’s sleek and functional glazed exterior has this bag sky rocketing to best seller status. And who isn’t wild about Scout? Their rugged Rubicon Rucksak (say that three times fast) was reviewed as the “Best Daddy Bag” by Babble.com, so you know this bag is the crème de le crème and chicest of the chic – daddy-wise of course. Petunia my dear, you’ve done it again.

With the seasons beginning to change and the time of day not so easy to predict by the amount of light outside, we welcome these adorable new table clock designs by Timeworks. If you’re not already acquainted with this brand, Timeworks has been in business for almost 15 years and specialize in historically authentic clocks that are both affordable and functional. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too! These new whimsical pop-out style clocks are a practical touch to any child’s room, and their vintage details make for a unique and reasonably priced gift. Have a baby shower coming up? Consider the soothing appeal of gazing bleary-eye at these timepieces in the midst of a 3:00 a.m. feeding… why not let Mom enjoy the small things? Redecorating a child’s room of your own? Darling boy and girl themes of Alice in Wonderland, Football, Bears, or newborn baby bearing storks for girls and boys are some of the options to choose from. Maybe clock-watching isn’t such a bad thing…

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Although a recipe for hot dogs may seem a bit unnecessary… this dish deserves to be passed on to chefs with hard-to-please audiences and/or family members with simple palates in dire need of a tune up. Festive enough for end of summer bbq’s and hearty enough for fall.

• 1 pack of grass fed, all beef, antibiotic –free hot dogs (you will find these to be surprisingly low in fat and FULL of flavor)
• 1 pack of whole wheat hot dog buns
• 1 can of organic black beans
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or grape seed oil
• 4 or 5 roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1 jar of roasted red peppers, drained, and sliced into ¼ inch sections lengthwise
• Low fat mayo to taste

Grill hot dogs on bbq and toast buns if you please. Heat the black beans in a small pot on medium heat (do not drain) until warm all the way through. Sautee the red onion in the olive or grape seed oil until soft, translucent, and browned a bit (about 15 minutes). Assemble the hot dog with desired amount of each topping. Voila! Quick, easy, filling and festive.

• Sticking to your normal schedule (as much as conditions allow) while traveling can save your sanity. Happy children=happy parents.
• A good morning “treasure hunt” on the beach makes for a memorable start to the day. See how many animal tracks in the sand you can identify!
• Aloe vera and cocoa butter are excellent (and inexpensive) skin soothers after a day in the sun.
• Sometimes the best part of fishing can just be casting off the line and reeling it back in. A hook full of seaweed never hurt anyone.
• Investing in an old fashioned four-post and cloth tee-pee can make trips to the beach and/or park a breeze. It stands up easier than an umbrella in windy weather, and can be hours of fun for the kids while keeping them safe from the sun.
• Watching the sunset as a family is a memory to be cherished for a lifetime.

Although the summer sun may still be in its full glory for some of us, others are starting to feel the change of seasons looming ahead. Fall brings a change in the weather and gets us thinking of the snuggly comforts at home. A stylish blending of the best of both seasons is embodied in the new Peony bedding by Bella Notte. The clean fresh look of a linen/cotton blend (did we mention that it’s organic?) paired with a vineyard inspired pattern is inviting in any color, whether it be chic neutrals of summer or the rich hues of autumn.

And just in time for the elegance that fall and winter seasons bring, here comes Olivia. A delicate tulle and dot cotton pattern embroidered over nylon, Olivia adds to Bella Notte’s collection of lace overlay bedding – but in a slightly more sophisticated way. Offered in decorative pillows, cases, shams, a coverlet and window panels, this fabric adds romantic and textural touch to your boudoir. Peony and Olivia will have you falling into bed with sweet memories of your summer and dreams of what’s to come.

Much like a proud parent, Layla Grayce enjoys celebrating accomplishments and milestones. Prominent press features not only reaffirm why we do what we do, but provide the encouragement to keep our creative juices flowing. Thank you to Daily Candy, Daily Candy Kids, and InStyle online for a tremendous past and current few weeks. Highlighted products were Mor Body Butter and Jessie Steele Aprons. And make sure you stay tuned – more special promos and exciting features are always in the works!